Dear Builders, are you ready for the challenge? This time, we’re introducing a unique twist: all participants must incorporate objects from [url=https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3413715643]"The Artifact Pack"[/url] into their escape rooms. With this requirement, we’re excited to see how you creatively use these elements in puzzles, storytelling, and design. Will you craft a high-tech lab, an ancient vault, a futuristic bunker, or something completely unexpected? The choice is yours! [url=https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3413715643][img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/39212689/0e09e4a031f633f4a077673a1e9488e128dfad17.gif[/img][/url] Also, for the first time, we have a guest judge! Wollo, one of the creators behind the Mystery Pack Community Contest, will be joining the Pine Studio team to evaluate your entries. [h2]🏆 Prizes Galore![/h2] To make this competition even more exciting, we are once again featuring several categories to ensure that both seasoned and first-time builders have a chance to shine. [h3]💪Experienced Builders Category[/h3] This is the main event, open to participants who already have one or more rooms in their portfolio. The top prizes include: [list] [*] 1st place: $500 cash + 2 keys for the upcoming ES DLC [*] 2nd place: $100 Steam gift card + 2 keys for the upcoming ES DLC [/list] [h3]🐣Rookie Builders Category[/h3] Is this your first time competing in one of our Build-A-Room contests? Fantastic! You have a chance to win: [list] [*] 1st place: $500 cash + 2 keys for the upcoming ES DLC [*] 2nd place: $100 Steam gift card + 2 keys for the upcoming ES DLC [/list] [h3]🧑‍🤝‍🧑Community Award[/h3] After the submission deadline, we'll open a poll for the community to vote on their favorite room. The winner of the Community Award will receive: [list] [*] Community Award: $100 Steam gift card + 2 keys for the upcoming ES DLC [/list] [h2]🎨 Contest Requirements[/h2] [list] [*] Use “[url=https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3413715643]The Artifact Pack[/url]”: Your room must feature at [b]least 3 of the 10 objects[/b] from the pack. These should be integrated meaningfully (e.g., as part of puzzles or storytelling). You may resize or retexture objects, but their essence must remain recognizable. [*] Using more than three objects is allowed, but will not score additional points. [*] The objects can be resized and retextured as long as their essence is maintained (i.e., don’t retexture or resize them to make them completely unrecognizable). [*] The room must be started from scratch. Reusing existing rooms or parts thereof is not allowed. However, publicly available assets and scripts may be used. [*] The room must include an in-game walkthrough covering the solution to each puzzle. [*] Rooms must have a video walkthrough. [*] Puzzles must be colorblind-friendly and hearing-impaired-friendly. [*] The room must be submitted before [b]February 17th, 8AM CET/2AM EST[/b]. Bug-fixing is allowed at any point after submission. [/list] [h2]📑 Rules[/h2] [list] [*] You can only submit one room. [*] Multiple builders can collaborate on a single entry, but only one prize will be awarded to the submitter. [*] The room must be an escape room. [*] Ideal playtime should be under 30 minutes, but longer experiences are allowed. [*] The room can be as big as you wish. [*] You are allowed to fix bugs after submission, but you cannot resubmit an entirely different room. [*] All references to existing IPs must be edited, parodied, or modified to infer a likeness without directly copying the original IP. Use models, textures, sounds, and other assets that are either: [*] Creative Commons (CC) with proper attribution [*] From the Escape Simulator library [*] Licensed content that you have legally acquired [*] Give credit where needed. [*] Copies of other players' rooms are not eligible. [*] Keep it fun and clean! No profanity, racism, hate speech, sexually suggestive content, etc. Any offensive content will result in disqualification. [*] AI-generated content is allowed, but its usage should not compromise originality or puzzle quality. [*] The Pine team and guest moderator Wollo will judge the Experienced and Rookie Builder categories, while the Community Award will be decided by a community vote. [/list] [h2]📢 How to Enter[/h2] To submit your room, make it available (public or unlisted) and share a link in the [url=https://discord.com/channels/449578254433517578/1087090318878462123]#💾competition-submissions channel[/url] on the Pine Studio Discord server. Remember, you can only submit one room! The submission deadline is [b]February 17th, 8AM CET/2AM EST[/b] We'll then review all the submitted rooms and announce the winners during a special livestream [b][date to be announced][/b]. Stay tuned for more details on the stream! [h2]📌 Judging Criteria[/h2] [list] [*] [b]Puzzle Design[/b] – Logic, originality, and engagement of puzzles [*] [b]Room Design[/b] – Theme, aesthetics, progression, and atmosphere [*] [b]Object Use[/b] – Creative and meaningful integration of at least three Artifact Pack objects [*] [b]Playability [/b]– Deductions for bugs, technical issues, or violations of contest rules (e.g., IP infringement, colorblind accessibility, incomplete walkthroughs) [/list] 💡 Building Tips [list] [*] Keep it simple! Aim for a playtime of 15-30 minutes. [*] Test thoroughly and get feedback from the community. [*] Focus on quality over quantity – A few great puzzles are better than many mediocre ones. [*] Consider accessibility features like colorblind and hearing-impaired options. [*] Most importantly, have fun! Creativity and enjoyment are what make great escape rooms. [/list] We can't wait to see your Artifact Pack-inspired rooms! Happy building! [i]-Pine Team[/i]